While students at the University of Rhode Island are meeting Jean Nsabumuremyi, the new director of Multicultural Student Services Center, for the first time, URI engineering alumna Pascaline Uwase has known him her entire life.

“I know Jean was the best selection to become the director of the Multicultural Center because he has always been motivated to make a difference in the lives of young stars, as he calls them,” said Uwase, who is Nsabumuremyi’s niece.

Uwase earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from URI in 2020.

“As a refugee, he knows what it means to struggle and to seek help from others,” said Uwase. “He has always been humble and he deeply appreciates the kindness of people. As a parent of three and an educator, he has been the voice for many, but above all, he is a great listener. URI students are lucky to have him.”

Uwase was a member of the executive board of URI’s National Society of Black Engineers as a student and she also participated in events at the Multicultural Student Services Center.

“The events at the Multicultural Center were always amazing experiences,” said Uwase. “The Center was an inviting place where you could interact with students from different majors, take advantage of the tutoring services or just hang out and enjoy some refreshments.”